IATEFL does not act as an accreditation body for organisations offering language or teacher training courses, or teacher development services of any kind. The appearance of the IATEFL name, acronym or logo on any organisation's web site (including IATEFL affiliates and partner associations) - either with or without our permission - does not imply the endorsement of that organisation's work, products or services.

Click the link on IATQUO link to see what this organization is all about.  If you see these names listed as worthy accredited sources then you know exactly what kind of organization you are dealing with.  An organization that pays for credibility and doesn't even bother to research who it is that is accrediting them! Even the Board of Academic Advisors is a group of people related to a certain school to give themselves credibility. 

The University of Cambridge offers a CELTA certificate (Certified English Language Teacher for Adults) which is widely known around the world but it is by no means the end all in TEFL certification and even CELTA programs vary from place to place and teacher to teacher.  The best programs come from the best Teachers...they always have and always will.

The fact is that any school can offer any program they want and make any certificate they desire.

Generally you should look for over 100 hours of training, actual in the class teaching experience, an experienced Teacher (over 10 years in the classroom) and a program that is actively connected to teaching ESL students now. Examine the syllabus thouroughly to make sure it offers what you need.

What we offer at Universal English Academy is real, experienced, useful and practical training.  It is not a get rich scheme, a certificate mill or a school trying to claim it is more than it is.  Come in and talk with us and you will know within moments that we are able to equip you with all of the skills you need to be a great teacher and find a great position in TEFL.

There are a few other schemes out there you need to be aware of.  Some schools (prevalent in Asia) will offer a TEFL certificate that you pay for and what they are doing is taking money from you and from the students.  Basically they train you how they would a new teacher and you pay for it.  Teach for free!

Other schemes are TEFL vacation courses in remote locations offering 40 hours of low level instruction and high level partying.  No one takes these courses seriously. 

The fact is that schools around the world vary in size, prestige and standards.  Many schools require no certification but then you are stuck taking jobs with organizations who maintain the lowest standards.

This is not a great situation to be in.  The proper training will help you avoid these situations and be more selective about what kind of position you accept.  Our training is comprehesive and has a section on what you should expect and require when looking for a TEFL job.

★Do you guarantee job placement?

Yes we do.  We are so confident that our training is the best you can find that we offer a limited money back guarantee.  If you have a 4 year degree (in any subject) from an accredited 4 year University, complete our training,  and submit at least 20 resumes according to our instructions, and still get no job offers we will refund your TEFL tuition.

★Can anyone become a TEFL teacher?

Anyone is a wide category.  Generally schools are looking for bright, energetic, well groomed individuals who are friendly, professional and enjoy learning about the host culture.

Most countries in order to sponsor a Specialist Visa require a 4 year diploma (any subject) from an accredited 4 year University.  If you have permission to live in a country already (for example a spouse visa or blood relatives) then a degree is not needed.

Some countries prefer men (Middle East) and some schools prefer women.  Racial stereotypes are prevalent in many countries and weight, facial hair, height, hobby, place of origin and even age can all be factors in a school's decision.  When working outside of the United States it is important to know that laws of equality and equal opportunity employers are often non existent. 

In the broadest sense...yes anyone with a desire to pursue it can usually find employment as a Teacher of English.

★Do you offer an online certificate class?

No we don't. While we respect technology and the role it can play in education one of the key elements of language learning is something called. "transfer".  From parents to child from peer to peer from teacher to student language and communication have passed for generations.  Many subtleties are lost in computer and video based programs.  We may be old-fashioned but we believe you have to show up (in your clothes) according to a time schedule and learn to interact in a real time live setting.  That is what your future ESL class will be and how you should learn.

The convenience of online courses are great and their low costs are appealing but how would you like to go to a chiropractor or massage therapist who got their certification online?

★I've heard that the grammar portion of the class is intense...is it?

One of the tools of the English Teacher is knowing and being able to explain grammar.  You will be encouraged to learn as much as you can but our training in grammar deals with 48 common forms, pattern recognition and methods of teaching.  As a native speaker there are many forms that you probably never considered why or how they are used but that will come up in an English class.  We will uncover most of these for you so that you are never surprised in the classroom.

★Is Universal English Academy's TEFL certificate accepted everywhere?

Our certificate and course syllabus conform to internatioanlly recognized standards of excellence.  Most language schools respect these standards and are overjoyed that you have received such a high level of training.  Institutions of Higher Education (University and Above) may require advanced degrees in addition to TEFL certification.  Rememeber that we also offer a conditional money back guarantee.

★What sets your program apart from all of the others?

Every school is unique.  Ours is no exception.  Owner / Founder Matt Carter spent 20 years developing an approach to language learning that is effective, unique and uplifting.  This approach is woven together with all of the standard information contained in Adult Teaching (CELTA) and Teaching to Children.  Being in Kona Hawaii also adds a unique flavor to the classes and training.  We also give our students a unique resources book that will serve them for years as a teacher.  We are committed to your success and on your side.  Our goal is to enhance lives...yours...and those who you teach...through the power of culture and communication.  We are a small school with a personal touch and a down to Earth honest approach to create the best possible Teachers.

★Is this program for Hawaii residents only?

As we offer the only TEFL certificate program on Hawaii's Big Island we have many locally based students.  We also have students that come to Kona just for the program and enjoy life in Hawaii in their free time.  There is no restriction.

Do you have a copy of your Class Syllabus?

Yes we do.  Click here to download it.

★What are the dates and fees of your next TEFL certificate class in Kona?

We generally run only two classes a year.  The first one from January to March and the second from April to June.  Classes are 120 hours long with an additional 10 hours in a real classroom (observing and teaching) For a complete schedule and list of fees click here.